Activist interrupts Minister during Colombo Fort inspection

27 January 2026 11:32 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, Jan. 27 (Daily Mirror) - Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayaka was interrupted yesterday by a civil activist during an inspection visit to the Colombo Fort Railway Station to review a proposed flyover linking the Pettah bus stand.

The interruption was made by civil activist Kamantha Thushara, who addressed the Minister in the presence of officials and the public. Expressing dissatisfaction over an earlier interaction, Thushara said the Minister had responded arrogantly when he requested an appointment.

“We brought you to power, and it is imperative that you recognise who we are. When I asked for an appointment to meet you, you arrogantly questioned who I was. I am well known to the people of Peradeniya,” the activist was heard saying.

The Minister did not immediately respond to the remarks and continued with the inspection programme. The visit was part of a review of infrastructure plans aimed at easing traffic congestion around the Pettah transport hub.

Comments - 4

Observer Tuesday, 27 January 2026 11:38 AM

Ha Ha. I am well known to the people of Peradeniya. So everyone must kneel before this egotist. Good action by Minister to ignore him.

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Kumu Tuesday, 27 January 2026 11:52 AM

Just imagine it happened to one of the ministers from any of the previous regimes! Remember what Mervyn Silva, Chamara Sampath and the rest of them did to even public officials? We shouldn't be abusing the freedom we gained with the new government.

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Cheers Tuesday, 27 January 2026 01:50 PM

Minister should have been given guti

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Ram P Tuesday, 27 January 2026 02:39 PM

Kamantha Thushara may have worked to bring NPP to power. There have been many others. If a good number of those who worked ask for appointments Ministers will not have time to attend to their work. I suggest that all Ministers make themselves available for 3 hours every month to answer questions from the public. Journos can be given a separate time.

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